Friday, 6 February 2009

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot 1974

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a 1974 crime film starring Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy, and Geoffrey Lewis.
As the movie opens, a young ne'er-do-well named Lightfoot (Jeff Bridges) is stealing a car, and independently, an assassin is preparing to kill a minister at his pulpit (John "Thunderbolt" Doherty, played by Clint Eastwood). Thunderbolt escapes on foot and Lightfoot inadvertently rescues him by running over his pursuer. It emerges that Thunderbolt is a veteran bank robber who had been hiding under the guise of a clergyman following a successful looting of an armored car company.

The money from that heist was never recovered..

Below: How Thunderbolt and Lightfoot would have opened when seen in UK cinemas with its original X certificateTo view the Original Theatrical Trailer, click below:

From the unreleased soundtrack, here's a nicely produced video for the Paul Williams song Where do I go from here

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot 1974 FOH set x 8 UKThunderbolt and Lightfoot 1974 Japan Original Thick full colour BrochureThunderbolt and Lightfoot 1974 Lobby set x 12 German - Some of these were hand tinted which did not look particularly good (9/12 shown)

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot 1974 x 2 Diff film Paperbacks (U.S. version with photo cover)Some superb collectables from around the World.Below: The U.S. 40 x 60 poster style CBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (United Artists 1974) U.S. 1 Sheet (27 X 41) Style CBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (United Artists 1974) U.S. Half Sheet Style CBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Japanese B2 poster and the Japanese version of the LaserdiscBelow: The U.S. Laserdisc from CBS Fox Panned and Scanned versionBelow: The U.S. Remastered Widescreen Laserdisc from MGM/UA, also contained original trailerBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot U.S. CED Video Discs

Below: A very rare 3rd paperback version, I had never seen this before, thanks to Mal Baker for providing the image.Below: An Original Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Swedish Insert PosterBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Advance U.S. 1 sheet posterBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot U.S. International 1 sheet posterBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot U.S. International Half sheet posterBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (United Artists 1974) U.S. 1 Sheet (27 X 41) Style ABelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Style A U.S. InsertBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (United Artists 1974) U.S. 1 Sheet (27 X 41) Style BBelow: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot U.S. Lobby card set of 8 (14 x 11)Below: A close up example of the U.S. Lobby card

Below: Thunderbolt and Lightfoot French poster design for a recent screening in France 2011Below: Another poster for a screening of Michael Cimino's Thunderbolt and Lightfoot at Cinéma le Grand Action in Paris 2011

From my friend Philip McLean, here is the Japanese DVD of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot - Philip explained that the film is simply known as 'Lightfoot' in Japan.

Original RevewsThunderbolt And Lightfoot (1974)
Engaging 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot'
HOWARD THOMPSON, New York Times
Published: May 24, 1974

Of the current movies on vagrant banditry, a theme that is being run into the ground, the most engaging is "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot," a funny, tough-fibered crime comedy with an unobtrusive edge of drama. With Clint Eastwood as an older, wise thief and Jeff Bridges as his grinning apprentice, the picture is consistently entertaining and interesting.

Mr. Eastwood is a smart fellow. For his Malpaso Company unit, he engaged a bright new young director, Michael Cimino, who also wrote an original script that is freshly turned in characterization and plot, amusingly ribald and neatly paced. The pattern is essentially familiar—crime still doesn't pay and the big climactic heist misfires—but Mr. Cimino's expert piloting scoots the action forward colorfully. The playing is entirely disarming, with Mr. Eastwood's wry restraint meshing perfectly with Mr. Bridges's impish exuberance, and Geoffrey Lewis and George Kennedy lending sturdy support.

As Frank Stanley's beautiful photography evokes the sweep of Montana's Big Sky country, the picture mercifully avoids footnotes on social significance except for one subtle, succinct touch in a climactic, schoolhouse scene, a thoughtful twist. The Eastwood team has pulled off a modest enjoyable winner.

The Cast

THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT written and directed by Michael Cimino; produced by Robert Daley for the Malpaso Company; photographed by Frank Stanley; released by United Artists.

At the Cinerama Theater, Broadway and 47th Street, and other showcases.

Running time: 115 minutes.

(This film is rated R.)

Thunderbolt . . . . . Clint Eastwood

Lightfoot . . . . . Jeff Bridges

Leary . . . . . George Kennedy

Goody . . . . . Geoffrey Lewis

Thunderbolt & Lightfoot - reunited!

Clint and Jeff attend the 17th annual AFI Awards at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on January 6th, 2017, Los Angeles, California.

Below: A car is crashed into the shop front of The Paris, downtown, Great falls, Montana

Below: Another selection of press stills from Thunderbolt and Lightfoot